Operations Manager (Financial Services)

Operations Manager (Financial Services) job description

The Operations Manager in financial services is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operational activities to ensure efficiency, compliance, and service excellence. This role plays a key part in managing back-office processes, supporting client service functions, and driving continuous improvement across operational workflows.

Operations Manager job duties and responsibilities of the job

Key responsibilities of an Operations Manager in the financial services sector include:

Leading the daily operations of transaction processing, settlements, trade support, and client onboarding

Ensuring strict adherence to APRA, ASIC, and AUSTRAC regulations, as well as internal policies and risk frameworks

Managing operational teams through effective leadership, coaching, and performance management

Driving continuous process improvements using automation or digital tools to enhance efficiency and reduce risk

Collaborating with compliance, legal, risk, and IT teams to ensure seamless business continuity and system resilience

Overseeing data integrity, exception management, reconciliations, and timely reporting to stakeholders

Supporting internal and external audits, as well as regulatory reviews, through accurate documentation and issue resolution

Developing, documenting, and maintaining standard operating procedures (SOPs) and risk controls

Tracking KPIs and operational SLAs to drive accountability and service excellence

Typical Operations Manager (Financial Services) job qualifications and requirements

A degree in finance, business, or a related field is required, with strong experience in operations management within financial services, ideally in a leadership role.

Key skills and attributes for success in this role include:

In-depth knowledge of financial services regulations and compliance frameworks, including APRA, ASIC, AML/CTF, and risk management standards

Strong capability in process improvement, workflow optimisation, and operational efficiency (e.g. Lean Six Sigma, PRINCE2, PMP)

Proven team leadership skills, including staff development, performance management, and change leadership

Excellent attention to detail and strong analytical/problem-solving skills, particularly in high-volume or regulated environments

Exceptional stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across compliance, risk, IT, and front-office teams

Proficiency in core operational systems, reporting tools (e.g. Power BI, Tableau), and CRM/ERP platforms (e.g. Salesforce, SAP, Oracle)

Experience managing business continuity processes, risk controls, and audit readiness

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Salary for Operations Manager (Financial Services)

90000 - 130000

25th percentile

90000

The candidate is new to the role or has limited experience and is building necessary skills.

50th percentile

110000

The candidate has moderate experience in the role, meets most requirements or has equivalent transferable skills, and may also have relevant certifications.

75th percentile

130000

The candidate has extensive experience and advanced skills for the role, and may also have specialised certifications.

Salary range based on three percentiles The starting salaries represent gross yearly salaries. They do not include bonuses, benefits or superannuation.

Projected salaries for related positions

Job title

25th percentile

50th percentile

75th percentile

Operations Analyst

60000

85000

110000

Senior Operations Manager

120000

140000

165000

Head of Operations

135000

150000

195000

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